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Will the Celtics go big in the draft?

Will the Celtics go big in the draft?

Is bigger better?

The Celtics have the No. 16 pick in the first round of this year's draft, the C's highest selection since 2007. Because Boston has so many needs, there's a seemingly infinite number of directions Danny Ainge could go, including going after another big man. Here's a look at this year's top bigs, some of whom may still be around to draft when it's time for the C's to make their selection:

Credit:

AP Photo

Alex Len, 7-foot-1, Maryland

He's the best true center in the draft, but ankle issues and a questionable motor make him a bit of a risk with the top pick. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: NO. 1 overall

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USA Today Sports Images

Nerlens Noel, 6-11, Kentucky

Great size and athleticism, but like Len, health concerns make him a greater gamble than usual for players at the top of the draft board. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Top 3.

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USA Today Sports Images

Steven Adams, 7-0, Pittsburgh

Few big men have improved their stock as much as Adams. He's a near-lock to be a lottery (top-14) pick who had a strong workout with the Celtics. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Top-14.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Rudy Gobert, 7-2, France

He doesn't appear ready to contribute in the NBA, but his size (he has a 7-foot-9 wingspan) may lead to a team using a lottery pick to draft him while keeping him overseas for another year or two. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Top-14, to middle of the first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Cody Zeller, 7-0, Indiana

He doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but he does many things better than most, which is why he has a long NBA career ahead of him. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Top-14, middle of the first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Lucas Nogueira, 7-0, Brazil

Reminds some of Joakim Noah for his multiple-effort mentality, but much like fellow Brazilian and Celtic big man Fab Melo, there's a lot to the game he needs to learn. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Top-14, middle of the first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Kelly Olynyk, 7-0, Gonzaga

He has a high basketball IQ with a really good back-to-the-basket post game, but there are concerns that he doesn't have the foot speed or strength to get those same shots with any consistency in the NBA. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Middle of the first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Gorgui Dieng, 6-11, Louisville

Great at protecting the rim . . . Beyond that, his game is limited. And at 23 years of age now, the same can be said for his upside. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Middle of the first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Mason Plumlee, 6-11, Duke

Good athlete, but his low-post game too methodical and predictable. Because of that, he's easier to defend. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Middle to latter part of first round.

Credit:

USA Today Sports Images

Jeff Withey, 7-0, Kansas

He's an excellent shot-blocker with really good instincts, but you have to wonder if his lack of lateral quickness will hurt him at the next level in pick-and-roll situations -- a staple for every NBA team. PROJECTED DRAFT STATUS: Latter part of first round, early second.